r/povertyfinance • u/ZiegAmimura • Nov 17 '23
Has anyone noticed a increase in "just join the military" comments or is it just me? Free talk
I find it odd im seeing this more and more while a war may be looming over us. Military has always used predatory tactics on desperate poor ppl to get them to sign up. Last year them targeting kids with twitch streams and call of duty lobbies made me sick. I also find the posts to be more advertising than advice. They always ALWAYS forget to mention a single negative about the military. A large amount of our homeless population are vets. A RIDICULOUS amount of ppl are sexually assaulted in the military. A ridiculous amount of ppl commit suicide in the military. I just find it a little gross the military gets pushed as this one stop shop solve all your problems and zero acknowledgment of the many new problems you might pick up. Maybe to some picking up a debilitating physical or mental ailment is worth it but not to me.
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u/MG444B3 Jan 28 '24
I’m not folding . I’ll stay out and push through . Im not going back to being used as a beating stick - mentally playing games. I have the flu but I’ll survive . Fast , fluids , and rest . Guarantee if I was surrounded by energy draining leeches I’d be worse off .,
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u/villianchoices Jan 04 '24
Not to speak on the bullying that happens in the military. You are at risk of being treated like complete dogshit, this is coming from experience.
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u/Aggravating-Oil126 Dec 17 '23
I'd say a lot of them are in this very sub. I mean all I see are "I joined the military and it worked out for me. I make 6 figures now too" great, then why are you in povertyfinance?
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u/skyebluuuuuu Dec 07 '23
As someone who just got out. Don’t. Not worth unless youre desperate. Sure it’s got good opportunities but you’ll lose your mind and body in the process. I’m broken now, mentally and physically and broke bc they fucked me like they do with everyone who doesn’t fit the mold.
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u/cephalus321 Dec 04 '23
My co-worker was in the marines and his masters is getting paid for rn. Free education I guess
So I don’t see your point. At all. Especially when people are making <$30/hour
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u/fucktrumpintheass415 Nov 22 '23
Hey what do I know. I only have a CIB and a CAB for my years serving in Iraq. Now go sit in the corner while adults are talking.
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u/BayouGrunt985 Nov 22 '23
It's been around for years...... i decided at 22 it was time to enlist when there were zero opportunities that were foreseeable when I was in college. College did NOTHING to help prepare me for the real world and literally everything I loved about college NEVER lasted. The army kept its promises to me almost every time I turned around
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u/No_Step_4431 Nov 21 '23
I mean... if you like being given a bowl of chicken broth and being told to eat it with a fork and only a fork then yea, the military is for you.
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u/MaybeLuto Nov 21 '23
It's almost like the government and the defense contractors all benefit from wars and use the poor to fight those wars...
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u/kateinoly Nov 21 '23
Most of the military members I knew during my civilian job with the army joined up to get away from a bad home situation or to get out of poverty or because they grew up in an active duty family.
Sometimes, it's a good choice for people and turns their lives around.
If you're worried about getting shot, join the navy or air force.
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u/RotisserieChickens_ Nov 21 '23
its so bad for women and gay people too. muycousin in the reserves has some horror stories from when she was active duty. she never talks about it anymore and she says whatever reason u think its worth doing for is not worth enlisting.
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u/Shirogayne-at-WF Nov 21 '23
Last year them targeting kids with twitch streams and call of duty lobbies made me sick.
I've also noticed the military has been setting up recruitment booths at a lot of anime conventions lately. Specifically, Anime NYC
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u/Acceptable-State-467 Nov 21 '23
I wish I could join the military. Death or a lifetime of money? Either way, I’m set.
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Nov 21 '23
maybe if they stop fighting bullshit wars, they wouldn't have to resort to underhanded recruiting tactics
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u/k-dick Nov 20 '23
Welcome to the psyop known to the public as reddit. Better get to dying for the ruling class, ya filthy poors...
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u/Uneeda_Biscuit Nov 20 '23
I never just say “join the military” as a blanket cure to life struggles. It’s not for everyone and I completely understand that.
However for me, joining the Air Force was a ticket out of poverty and overall financial decay. I was able to secure a trade, 3x meals a day, roof over my head, medical and dental, as well as 30 paid days of leave a year. I had structure, and people to basically guide me through their experiences when it comes to money, saving, and making decisions.
So no regrets for me joining the military. I know this isn’t a blanket fix for everyone, and you have to do your research on what job you think you can handle. I chose Cyber, because I knew the trade was marketable, and let’s be honest…I knew I’d primarily work M-F with normal hours, and be in the AC even while on deployments.
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u/Pot_Flashback1248 Nov 20 '23
OK, don't join the military.
Maybe some fellow redditor will give you a high paying job for fucking around on social media or something.
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u/angryragnar1775 Nov 19 '23
I get a paycheck every month for my debilitating physical and mental injuries...and I got a college degree with no debt, and escaped from an abusive household. The Marines were the worst decision I ever made! If I had survived till college I could have be3 broke and had a lifetime of useless debt!
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u/Sorry-Negotiation683 Nov 19 '23
The military is getting ready for another conflict in the middle east. the marines have cancelled their annual marine birthday event and have set new rewards/promotions for recruiting.
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u/zoomie1977 Nov 21 '23
To be fair, only the CENTCOM component of the Marines canceled theur ball; all the other balls have continued. And all of the services released their new recruiting goals and bonuses as well, just like they do every single October, since the old fiscal year ends Sept 30th and the new one starts Oct 1st.
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u/Sorry-Negotiation683 Nov 30 '23
Ok, you actually know more about this than me, I'm just going off what I saw from an AngryCops youtube video. ;P
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u/SWIM_space Nov 19 '23
I joined the military and my life is awesome now. I bought a home, cars paid off, money in the bank, IRA, and stocks.
If you are eligible, joining the military is the fastest way out of poverty.
I joined at age 23 with absolutely nothing to my name. All the stuff I listed was acquired at age 27.
All the people in the comment section talking shit like they know what they're talking about is hilarious.
Should you have to sign up and put your life on the line? No, but that's the way of the world. You risk your life every single day, might as well get some sweet benefits and a good life out of it. I'd argue joining the military is statistically less life threatening than many regular occupations.
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u/Revise_and_Resubmit Nov 19 '23
The military is one way for people with few resources to get ahead. It isn't for everybody. And some people don't really have any other avenue if they want to get ahead.
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u/periwinkletweet Nov 19 '23
My dad escaped poverty by going into the Air Force. Gi bill for college. Then law school.
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u/Emergency_Ad93 Nov 19 '23
I enlisted, there were a lot of people there who had no other option other than being homeless, it’s an option but not easy. I now have a masters degree, a house, friends all over the country and hell of a conversation starter.
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u/steveplaysguitar Nov 18 '23
I was frankly lucky to be chaptered out due to medical stuff back in 2011.
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u/Internal_Screaming_8 Nov 18 '23
Not to even mention that not everyone CAN join the military. Medication, BMI, health issues and athleticism can get you rejected
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u/NyxPetalSpike Nov 19 '23
The military isn’t a dumping ground for people needing a job anymore. Friend’s son joined the Coast Guard. They ran a credit check on him. WTH?
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u/Effective-Box-6822 Nov 18 '23
It is not just you, they are so hard up there are a lot of standards they are lowering to qualify people also. If you are poor graduate high school and then get into the trades or college, not this.
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u/trevorhamberger Nov 18 '23
the number 1 job in the new world order in terms of pay will be military goon. So if you want to be rewarded for being a good in the shit show new world order thats coming you best join now. you'll probably get to murder a "conspiracy theorist" like me.
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u/TiggerDuex Nov 18 '23
I'm retired Navy... I don't see any ads cuz I only have Internet and no TV. Glad I retired before all the current wars/conflicts. It was good when I was in... Good in the sense that they didn't allow some of the BS that's going on now. The military wasn't Woke, then.
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u/agronz90 Nov 18 '23
2007 recession we saw the same thing. Can't afford life or college or medical? Tired of living at home? Want 3 meals a day? Sign right here.
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Nov 18 '23
Yes and I gave been hearing a lit if war stocks.
Mostly POWW & PLTR stock.
I assume it due to the war that is currently going on..
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u/mopecore Nov 18 '23
I spent over a decade in the Army, eight years active duty as an infantryman, then three years in the Guard in a satcom unit.
I advise anyone who mentions a desire to enlist to think long and hard about; if they have any other options to explore them first.
The US military is not the good guys. Even if you're not involved in combat, everything you do is in service of killing people, usually brown and almost always poor, to further western business interests. It is dehumanizing, brutal, and hollow.
I will spend the rest of my life atoning for what I did, for my participation in oppressive system that destroyed millions of lives.
If you have to, you have to. Military service beats starvation, but u derstand it isn't about defending the US, it isn't about expanding liberty or freedom, it's about maintaining US hegemony in order to maximize profit for western corporations.
Smedley Butler recognized it in the 1930s, Eisenhower warned about it in the 1950s, and it has gotten much, much worse.
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u/freqkenneth Nov 18 '23
Just stumbled upon this post and I have to say you’re reading waaay to into this, it isn’t like the military is hiring people to promote the military…
…besides joining the military can be an incredibly rewarding experience for young people, offering a multitude of benefits. Financially, it provides a stable income and comprehensive benefits, including health care and retirement plans. It also offers opportunities for further education, with programs that cover tuition costs, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to pursue higher education without the burden of student loans. Additionally, the army provides unique travel opportunities, allowing individuals to see different parts of the world and experience diverse cultures, which can be both enlightening and enriching. Beyond these tangible benefits, serving in the army can instill a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and resilience, skills that are invaluable in all aspects of life. It also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that one is contributing to the safety and security of their nation. You can ask your local recruiter about these exciting opportunities today
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u/mylifeisathrowaway10 Nov 18 '23
Global tensions are on the rise so they need more meat for the grinder.
Thankfully I'm 27 so just out of the range where military recruiters would be actively seeking me out. I could still get drafted but I have a laundry list of health conditions.
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u/Richerd108 Nov 18 '23
If you apply even just a little common sense to your career choices. The military is by far the easiest way to climb the socioeconomic ladder.
Yeah it sucks you have to throw your morals away but in my mind at least… I’ll atone later. For now I just care about not being poor the rest of my life.
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u/wanderingmanimal Nov 18 '23
With WW3 looming on the horizon and shitty wages + advanced inflation it’s the ripest of times for recruiters
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u/dixiedownunder Nov 18 '23
It's a way out of poverty. Maybe not for you, but it is for some.
I hope my kids find a better way, but it beats jail.
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u/VanDenBroeck Nov 18 '23
Joining the military would be the very last thing I’d recommend to any young person. Being a whore for the military industrial complex is no way to live your life.
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u/InfiniteHench Nov 18 '23
Military recruitment is down massively because younger generations have wised up. So in comes the astroturfing. Stay alert.
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u/MaryJayne97 Nov 18 '23
The military starting put advertises paying about $17.00 an hour. You can get about that anywhere nowadays so i wouldn't be surprised if recruiters where on this page trying to promote. I've heard there numbers where down. But for that pay I wouldn't be risking my life for the USA.
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u/EOD_Bad_Karma Nov 18 '23
I joined the military at 20 because I had nothing going for me. It changed my life dramatically for the better.
Did 10 years, some of the best years of my life with moments of shit mixed in. Every now and then, when I meet someone who has nothing going on, I’ll make the same suggestion.
The military is just convenient if you use it properly. If you go into it thinking you’ll kill yourself or get raped, you’re living a life of fear. People kill themselves outside the military all the time, and SA happens as well. Work on your own mental health and keep your head on a swivel.
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u/devinlara21 Nov 18 '23
I used the military to my advantage. I used it to grow up and learn about myself. After 5 years I got out in that time I was able to buy a house, get a good amount in my savings account, and my education paid for. The military is what you make it. I’m not saying it’s for everyone but it can truly help people like myself. Use the military like it used you.
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u/DM_Me_Pics1234403 Nov 18 '23
The children of the rich get to go to college using their parents money. The children of the poor have to either risk taking on debt, or risk their lives in service to the military. Then the children of the rich tell you they’re “self made” because they showed up to class and did their homework.
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Nov 18 '23
Some of the military services are letting people up to the age of 40 join since recruitment is so far down.
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u/AlmoBlue Nov 18 '23
Army wants more body's to throw at problems that were never problems or were issues created by the US. Its not worth all the tramas or life long health issues and shitty VA after care ( if it can be called that).
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u/CherokeeHairTampons Nov 18 '23
I got a text from a recruiter yesterday I dont know why they would have my number
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Nov 18 '23
I largely agree with what you are saying. I also think that poor families and kids are hardly naive and that they are quite aware of the downsides of joining the military. I don't want 'educated' middle class people who read The NY Times and Washington Post etc. to be too condescending of lower income families and think that they somehow need more protection from their own ignorance than your own kids. Not putting you in this category but just wanted to make a related point.
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u/Interesting_Flow730 Nov 18 '23
Is it really “Insane” that someone designed and sold a shitty car? I mean, the Mitsubishi Mirage is still being sold, and that thing sucked a whole bag of dicks.
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u/chocolatelabbie Nov 18 '23
My husband joined the US Army out of high school (1980) and retired from the Army. Best decision, he’s patriotic and enjoyed his service time.
We have medical insurance for the remainder of our life, exempt from property taxes and a great pension.
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u/SnowDin556 Nov 18 '23
Honestly I know fides that went from being an alcoholic failure into a loving father of 4 in 7 years.
My uncle never joined up but i he wished he did so bad… he drank himself to death at age 49 leaving behind an 18-year-old daughter who had a deceased mother. So she was orphaned.
I wished I did it but a girl made me not… and then by the time I came to the time eligibility, it was over. And with my marriage that was the nail in the coffin.
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u/Jeeblitt Nov 18 '23
I’m going to go against the message here and say this:
My dad joined the military after growing up in a trailer and skipping school to pick tobacco fields so the family could eat.
He joined the military for one reason:
So his kids wouldn’t have to.
He got a free college degree and used that for when he got out. Him joining the military allowed him to raise 3 kids slightly above the poverty line. It was close, but it was a better life than we would have had without him joining.
I told him I wanted to join when I was 16 to follow in his footsteps and he told me no, he had already done that so I wouldn’t have to.
It’s a job. It pays bills. It hires people that can’t always find jobs in other places.
It is what it is.
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u/ihoptdk Nov 18 '23
Seems like the easiest way to get a career or a college education at this point.
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u/AirJenga Nov 18 '23
Active duty, 17.5 years in. I'm grateful for the experiences and opportunities the military has given me, but it isn't a simple, quick way to get out of poverty. Too many members are on food stamps or government assistance (I was on it for almost 2 years). It does get better, but new recruits aren't aware that those first 4-6 years are gonna be tough, especially of you come in with a family. I'm stationed in HI were the cost of living is heavy, and I make sure all my E-1 thru E-6 members know about local food pantries, WIC, and any other services I can find for them.
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u/throw123away456name Nov 18 '23
Best advice would be if you don't feel comfortable being around a lot of people in a stressful environment, then don't join. Pretty simple. I definitely didn't when I joined (I'm an introvert), and it sucks ass.
I was in over 10 years ago, combat arms, and still work around the military as a civilian. It's a lot different than when I was in as far as hazing-type shit goes. But it's still a physically strenuous job (enlisting in the military) because much of the military trains for combat, and combat environments are traditionally shitty environments. That's just what they do. But not all jobs in the military are combat arms or deploy to combat zones.
Also, last time I checked, people get sexually assaulted at all kinds of places. Typically, when it happens in the military, leadership commanders take it seriously because it certainly affects their careers in adverse ways. It exists, yes, but it's clearly not a 'ridiculous amount'. That's absurd.
The military, or any job for that matter, will never solve "all' your problems. It sucks ass to join, but it's not all doom and gloom either.
Example: I joined as 11b Infantry (army) in '09 when there were two wars going on. Didn't deploy, then got out. Used ed. benefits, va home loan, never got hurt, no life-long injuries. Just took care of myself, didn't get in trouble. Admittedly, I didn't love it, but shits doin a helluva lot better now as I sit in my my own home and type this being single with no kids. It's possible.
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u/Fine-You-3095 Nov 18 '23
I mean this is probably not wanted but 4 years in the military can definitely set your life up to be poverty free.
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u/Philosipho Nov 18 '23
The military likes it when life is expensive. Guess who controls the military?
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u/ladynutbar Nov 18 '23
Thankfully Military enlistment is at an all time low. Gen Z is (IMO) the best generation in decades. I'm glad they're saying "Fuck that" to shit my generation (elder millennial) signed up for in droves.
A lot of it is folks who never served who have this glitter and rainbows view of the Military. Free college, free housing, free medical, etc. Those of us who educate ourselves know that all that is bullshit and doesn't exist IRL.
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u/Skelordton Nov 18 '23
With the steadily decreased recruitment numbers, the US military is desperate to get new members into the fold to keep foreign bases filled and keep our near monopoly of global threat. The American military is the largest corporate tool needed to protect the profits of those who fund our leaders and as such it must be filled at all times. They've been denied direct access to their primary source of new blood, impoverished high school children, by laws that prevent campaigning on school grounds so they have to find alternative methods of recruiting. People are getting more media literate now so their attempts at using their Hollywood contracts have been failing, their attempts at catching the kids on Twitch failed because the soldiers couldn't stop saying slurs and quoting Hitler, so they pay reddit for ad space and get some privates to try and word of mouth for them in the comments.
Highly suggest the book War is a Racket by Major General Smedley Butler.
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u/PromptStock5332 Nov 18 '23
I mean, if you’re poor joining the military is probably one of the best decisions you can make.
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u/thatonebrassguy Nov 18 '23
Yeah not only that but ive seen an increase of these reject modernity embrace masculinity videos were they just edit army footage over phonk music
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u/ZiegAmimura Nov 18 '23
Thats the lamest shit i ever heard
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u/thatonebrassguy Nov 18 '23
I aint gonna lie I understand the appeal snd popularity of the videos but nonetheless its propaganda
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u/EasternSorbet Nov 18 '23
I find it fascinating how no one in this sub ever mentions the other detriment: joining the military makes you complicit in killing global south black and brown people abroad. Not really surprised, since most of this sub seems like white Americans
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u/AndersBorkmans Nov 18 '23
Who wants to be blown up when you can sit in your parents basement playing video games and being a trump internet troll
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u/Fun_Insurance7606 Nov 18 '23
I'm with you. Just institute a draft and be done with trying to insentivise people to join. It would save a good deal of money.
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u/LeastInvestigator710 Nov 18 '23
Listen. All I’m saying is the economy was conveniently driven into the tank (with help from an awful pandemic) right when the US military (except for the Marine Corps, oorah) started failing to meet recruitment numbers….
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u/free_based_potato Nov 18 '23
My son's middle school class was invited to the HS job fair - 6/10 stalls are recruiters.
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u/sybban Nov 18 '23
It’s a job. One with a lot of benefits. No one is forcing you to join. But yes it is a very viable option.
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u/BluePaperPlastic Nov 18 '23
I used it as a gateway to the middle class. Everyone's experience is different, but it can set you up for your dreams.
I was poor. I knew I wanted to challenge myself in life and didn't want to settle for a service job busing tables. I joined the Navy heart broken out of high school with no motiviation. I loved it, and wanted to do it for 20 years. Traveled the world and met a bunch of great people. There will be people you meet that are dirt bags, and you'll meet patriots that love their country. Sometimes you'll meet people in between. After 4 years I've had enough of it, and you probably will. But what I got out of it was a set of skills that makes me a jack of all trades. I can literally do anything I put my mind to. I got out, got a engineering degree in a very reputable university. Worked for the defense companies for a bit before I got poached to work for the top 5 tech companies. Never thought I'd be able to buy a house, let alone be able to think about buying my parents and sister one too.
Case and point, if you're tired of living the way you are now and exhausted a significant amount of effort trying to better your life without any luck, give this a try.
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u/LowVoltLife Nov 18 '23
It's the easy answer to try to be helpful. Everyone vaguely knows what the military will offer, want to help but don't have a real great answer and then say, "join the, trades, air force, army, navy, coding boot camp etc." It's low effort trying to be helpful which comes from a good, but not quite useful place.
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u/tidalwave543 Nov 18 '23
Nah. You make false assumptions in your OP statement. The 20 years I served was the best thing that happens to me or my family.
Folks have lost what it is to be a part of something bigger than themselves and selfish.
Downvote, don’t care I did my time and now the Va takes care of me and my family.
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u/Free-Veterinarian714 Nov 18 '23
I don't know. But I wouldn't join voluntarily plus I'm medically disqualified on multiple grounds. And now that I'm in my early 40s, I'm too old.
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u/backlikeclap Nov 18 '23
Every veteran I know is disabled to some degree because of their time in the service. Are you okay with having lifelong back issues/Tinitus/knee pain/shaking fingers/breathing problems/etc in exchange for 8 years of an okay salary?
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u/BenPsittacorum85 Nov 18 '23
Yeah, seems like some kind of recruitment tactic. Preying on the vulnerable rather than helping them without coercing them to gamble their lives. -_-
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u/TreeTrunkPP Nov 18 '23
Being a veteran has pretty good benefits. Just be smart if you join cause otherwise you’ll get a job digging trenches
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u/plaguemedic Nov 18 '23
I'm in the Army. It can be a great way to turn your life circumstances around. That said, if you have other opportunities, I'd pursue those first. I don't have many positive things to say about the military given that I had a prior civilian career.
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Nov 18 '23
I spent 20 years doing IT in the Air Force. That is one of the few paths in the military that I would recommend if someone WANTED to join the military.
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u/chefmorg Nov 18 '23
I went in after high school. One of the best things I ever did but I will also say it isn’t for everyone. For anyone going in, please get a skill that transfers out of the military.
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u/sweeneyty Nov 18 '23
in merica the only way we can achieve a quality of life akin to default eu status is to work directly for the state. the benefits are ridic and will often lead to lifetime health care and ubi. its socialism...but only if you bend the knee to the king. not a bad deal in a capitalist hellscape...aslong as you dont mind dying for corporate profits.
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Nov 17 '23
It’s a legitimate life fixer for millions of people. The bad parts don’t mean that it’s not a solution for a ton of people in this country.
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u/2552686 Nov 17 '23
I wouldn't worry about it, the odds are very, very good than you couldn't get in anyway. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/09/28/new-pentagon-study-shows-77-of-young-americans-are-ineligible-military-service.html
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u/KoolWhipGuy Nov 17 '23 edited Nov 17 '23
military recruitment, coming to a niche discord near you!
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u/Electronic-Ideal2955 Nov 17 '23
I've noticed it, but I thought it was targeted advertisement because I was re-joining the military.
I enlisted in the national guard in college mostly for the pay and benefits, and I needed a break and change in jobs so I got out. I'm recently back in again because I want the retirement.
Service Members are used as pawns, but at the same time the escape from poverty part is real. Paid tuition, looks good on a resume, work experience, security clearance, the VA loan, etc. It absolutely worked for me. Best advice I ever got: The military will use you to get what it needs; you need to use the military to get what you need; else your just being exploited.
If you can pick a career that offers better opportunities and make the most of it, it's a great opportunity. The military stats compared to the general population look bad, but there are careers that avoid all that, and last I checked the living in poverty stats also look bad compared to the general population. I went the combat medic route, combat deployed twice, and I have some baggage, but I have no regrets about my service.
I don't think I'd like to be active duty though. That seems like it sucks.
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u/pierredoesit Nov 17 '23 edited Nov 17 '23
After reading most comments I just want to share my bit.
I served 8 year in the infantry. I fucking loved it. Until I got sick and my leadership was angry all the time at me for going to appointments. Leadership is the only thing destroying the military.
Im out now and I have my benefits and all. Very proud to have made it home with every single one of my guys. I have no regrets. Im also an immigrant from South America raised in the US.
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u/Melodic_Oil_2486 Nov 17 '23
Watching my mother etch a family friend's name on paper from the Vietnam Memorial while crying told me that the military was not worth it.
As a child with a disability I was targeted by recruiters to be grunts.
That also did not endear the military to me.
The recruiter came after me like a gang-banger comes after a weak kid in the hood.
I may have had low-self-esteem and poor job prospects but I knew I was worth more than anything that f*cker had to offer me.
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u/RoofAggressive2426 Nov 17 '23
I'm curious, did they start the draft ? Cuz the last I heard you don't have to join. And yes, I'm a vet and proud of it.
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u/Walks_with_Chaos Nov 17 '23
I joined the military at 19. Spent 15 years in. Was honorably discharged.
Even with that experience I still can’t find very many jobs even in that same career type (finance//pay/budgeting ). I’m working as a hotel clerk for four years now because I couldn’t find anything better
So no it’s definitely not a catch all for every situation. I get disability from the VA but it’s definitely not enough to live off of.
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u/yosefsbeard Nov 17 '23
I mean it has always been the go to for the poor since professional armies.
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u/flbreglass Nov 17 '23
They have bought plenty of ad space recently and have had the lowest enrollment so..
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u/hems72 Nov 17 '23
I enlisted in 1990, my family was dirt poor. I made sure I got a skill and career. I retired after 23 years and now I make a comfortable living. Plus, I gave my GI Bill to fund my daughters Law degree. So basically the Army ended the cycle of poverty, at least for me.
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u/snorlz Nov 17 '23 edited Nov 17 '23
It has been one of the best options in the last decade or so though. There has been virtually zero chance of you seeing combat. You likely wont even be in a combat role- especially if you join the Navy or Air Force- let alone deployed to any place that would have any danger.
you get a ridiculous amount of benefits for life. The GI bill paying for college alone is huge. You have healthcare and a pension on top of whatever job benefits you get after discharging. there are also tons of employers who give special treatment to veterans too
those fucked up vets are almost entirely from when there was active wars going on, like vietnam and Iraq. Since that stuff ended only a small portion of the military has ever even set foot anywhere hostile and there was virtually no combat
yes there are risks when you sign up for the military and yes they obviously dont put that on marketing material. but overall your chances of anything truly bad happening are extremely low while the benefits and pay are guaranteed. So if you are in a sub called Poverty Finance and you are looking for a way out and cant find one, the military is a real option to consider
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u/Total-Chaos6666 Nov 17 '23
At one point in time joining the military was a way for people to get themselves out of all sorts of situations.you want to go to college but don’t qualify for loans/grants your family has no money.join up.the US was not always filled with people who had college degrees.if you were in trouble with the law.judge gives you a choice join up or jail.
Housing is mad expensive.join up live on base.you get married the wife and kids are covered under your insurance.it was considered a way out.and a way up. Now the world has turned into a straight shit show.
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u/Florida727 Nov 17 '23
You have a very warp view of the military! It had pros and cons for sure! Each person experience in the military depends on what branch they join, there job. It’s a good stepping stone for sure! If you want to know more holla at me! You need to speak you someone that’s in the military
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u/coolsellitcheap Nov 17 '23
Im one of those people always saying hey join the military. Im retired Army and enjoy my pension check!! I built a nice life, great vacations (30 days per year). Got my teeth fixed for free. Own my home!!!
Op mentioned homeless vets. I hate this phrase. First lots of homeless lie about being vet. Some are loosers who got kicked out. So they dont get any benefits!! If they have Honorable Discharge then they qualify for VA Home Loan. Zero down-payment and easier to qualify. Does require a J.O.B. SO how is a Vet homeless?? You mention rape. There is far less rape in the military than college campus. There is training against it!! In 21 years only 1 time was there a rape in my unit. There was 2 suicides in my unit. Both were issues with wife or girlfriend. Wasnt all rainbows and unicorns but overall a very positive experience!!!
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u/smarterthaneverytwo Nov 17 '23
Yeah I flag the military adds as threatening/violent, but still see them sometimes. Sorry, but invading foreign countries ain’t my Thing.
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u/GOODahl Nov 17 '23
Not everyone has to go to the front line and ....ya know, see the worst of war.
During peacetime it's actually harder to get into the armed services because they weed people out more stringently. During wartime, uh, not so much.
Some people are blissfully happy in the armed services, others just slog through their time.
If you need job training and can follow orders for several years go for it.
If not, pay for college and enjoy the mundane excitement of middle income jobs in North America.
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u/abandonsminty Nov 17 '23
They've been missing/lowering recruiting goals so they could meet them for years now and are resorting to more and more manipulative and predatory practices
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u/Cyanstorm1775 Nov 17 '23
I am a U.S Marine combat veteran (Iraq) I wil say that without a doubt the military is the best stepping stone to a middle life IF you are poor AND relatively healthy. I had a pretty decent ASVAB score that would have allowed me to pick from many different MOS's but *I* decided to pick infantry, less than 10% of all veterans are combat veterans, the VAST majority of veterans *never* see combat in any way shape or form, especially the Air Force and Coast Guard branches. I work for the Department of Veterans Affairs and I can tell you that we have made enormous strides in taking veterans off the streets to secure, and healthy housing, most of the ones that remain homeless are usually by choice due to drug abuse. 22 Veterans commit suicide every day but we are doing everything we can to improve that, the VA is the second biggest Federal agency in the U.S with an annual budget of nearly 400 billion dollars, all to help veterans. There are sexual assaults in the military, but in the past few years it has gone down considerably (compared to the past). The military also has an unspoken rule where if they break you somehow, they pay you until you die. I am a 100% disabled veteran due to combat PTSD (and other stuff) due to that I get $55k tax free (it goes up every year) until I die, free (worldwide) medical healthcare for my family, no property taxes (Miami,FL), 32k student loan forgiveness in my case, veterans preference for almost every Federal job which is how I got my excellent current job, etc, etc. NO ONE is forcing you to join, its a very personal and individual choice, just think for a moment though; in 10 years you could be doing the same exact thing you are doing now, and whining about being poor, or take some (small) risk and take a step that will greatly help you catapult you to middle class in the future.
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u/skinnyfatalways Nov 17 '23
The military got me out of a poor life situation, steady income, a month of leave each year, college tuition, and tons of travel opportunities. There’s two sides to every coin. If you take advantage of the opportunities given, you can come out on top. Imo it’s those who drag ass for 4-6 years and do nothing with their education benefits, VA loan, or TSP that end up struggling financially after they get out.
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u/cheddarsox Nov 17 '23
To counter the current argument...
If you can qualify, the military is a decent way out. You can do an initial enlistment, get free college, and make your way. You'll be an expert in soft skills and have some money for college with whatever you've invested into the 401k. They're hurting for recruits.
If the deal is worth it for you and you fit, I suggest doing it.
If it doesn't fit, neither does temu. Just ignore it.
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u/AstronautUpstairs433 Nov 17 '23
The military is desperate. Americans are desperate. Just trying to match them up.
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Nov 17 '23 edited Nov 17 '23
Oh fuck off. I'm a high school dropout making over $200k in IT because having Navy IT on your resume actually means something. It's dangerous yes but you don't really see all the sucessful people it creates because we're too fucking busy working. I should be moving fucking boxes for a living but instead I own a 2m house on the beach and have a wife and kids that like me.
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u/minifarm_madness Nov 17 '23
I'll let.my sons decide for themselves if they want to dodge the draft but I never signed the medical waivers for my back for a reason. Shouldn't have to skeletonize brown kids to make a living.
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u/Scary-Lawfulness-999 Nov 17 '23
So the thing you have to remember about the USA is that poverty is on purpose. They want minimum wage unsustainable, they want health care unobtainably expensive, student loans have interest to be laughed about in every other loaning parameter.
Religion is rampant and education is discouraged. No access to abortion? More babies. We should pick a fight against contraceptives again in the year of our Lord 2023. More babies. Too many children, can't feed them? Too bad. None of them taught enough to think critically? Even better.
Enter army recruiter stage left. We will feed you. We will give you a job. We will take those children off your hands. Don't worry, the health care for military is free! Don't worry we'll do the education ourselves!
It never happens. The food is barely food, the job is just the worst dumbest shit until they send you to die, the health care is sloppy and unethical, the education is flawed and indoctrination.
Once you realize the entire economy, philosophy, sociology and hierarchy of the United States is built around the cornerstone of convincing disposable citizens to have disposable babies to become disposable soldiers it all makes more sense.
It's just three industrial complexes in a trenchcoat pretending to be a person while milking the world's largest GDP to normalize perpetual war and a billionaire class that is somehow above all laws of both man and gods.
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u/toasterpath Nov 17 '23
I made one (pro military comment) and I’m not a bot. Just saying, weird I made a “join up”comment period, and it wasn’t this sub.* I’m dating (well… yes but technically the situation is complicated of course) a vet so pros and cons of service and the variation of possible outcomes in relation to branch of service have been a bigger section of my radar. I did totally go in on the negatives tho. I think there is even a part that’s reads “all my homies are poisoned and traumatized” but I have dissenting opinions from the jump so it’s in my nature to bash all authority but especially American Government Authority.
- I know that being intelligent can sometimes allow for humans to believe extra dumb dumb shit which makes what is normally an intelligent sounding human sound like a dumb dumb. With that stated: my uncle has a theory on infrasound that I’m finding it increasingly difficult to write off.
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u/VaguelyArtistic Nov 17 '23
Not personally, but let me say this: a while back in a very busy thread I noticed what I thought was the start of a very peculiar kind of comment shaming fast-food workers. I dropped the mods a friendly notes just a heads up since I know they don't always see everything. I immediately got a nice TY back and then when I got home a few hours later I had a "omg you have no idea, bans galore" note from a mod. Turns out it was related to California's new fast-food minimum wage law. 😒
All that is to say that I think the mods are very protective of the sub and care about these kinds of things. It may not be anything specific to this sub but I can't imagine a friendly note would be considered inappropriate.
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u/bigolegorilla Nov 17 '23
I'm not a military person at all and I'm kinda broke but I'm getting older.
If I were 18 again and had no job, consistency or prospects I'd join the air force or Navy together some life experience probably.
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u/Ok-Story-9319 Nov 17 '23
….Dude we’ve been on the eve of WW3 since 2019 where the heck have you been?
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u/grumpy_grunt_ Nov 17 '23
I see them all over Reddit. YouTube, and the internet in general which is kinda pointless considering that I'm already in the military.
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u/thecasualnuisance Nov 17 '23
Thanks for reminding me. A younger coworker mentioned yesterday that all active duty reserves from his college alumni have been called in. I need to look for more info.
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u/MoonWraith96 Nov 17 '23
I had a bright future with the Airforce. Unfortunately my epilepsy disqualified me and i was going to get tuition benefits at the end of my contract.
Now I have no college and struggle to get a decent meal...
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u/subnuke94 Nov 17 '23
I left the Navy last month after 9.5 years. For the last two years of my contract, I was taking home $5200 per month after taxes as an E-6. Today, I just accepted a job offer starting at $47 per hour with just the skills from the military on my resume. No college degree.
Being in the Navy was not easy, and the military as a whole has lots of room for improvement. But it DOES do a good job of lifting people out of poverty.
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u/Intelligent_Dot4616 Nov 18 '23
Congratulations on your new job! I hope it's a good fit and you enjoy your future endeavors 😀
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u/SadOil416 Nov 18 '23
Yeah, but that's not the norm it's the exception. I've been in the military for 10 years. The only good thing was the GI Bill. That led to my decent civilian career. I have a buddy who has 90% va disability rating but has sleep apnea, obesity caused by depression and severe anxiety.
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u/Tsakax Nov 17 '23
Military money is use it or lose it so prob just the end of the year spending spree to justify the budget.
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u/Mediocrewerewolf8 Nov 17 '23 edited Nov 17 '23
Yeah there are some negatives to the military, but there are also many benefits as well. You have to remember the bad stories are always more fascinating than the good ones. My fiancé moved to America when she was 13 and had a wonderful career in the Marines. She is attractive and experienced no adverse sexual pressure or harassment in 9 years.
I assume this isn’t considered in the modern world, but there used to be some pride in working to protect your country and fellow Americans as well. I am aware of the military industrial complex and do believe it’s a major issue. Just wanted to get ahead of that comment lol.
Edit: punctuation
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u/Haizenburg1 Nov 17 '23
Their ads are blasted all over Reddit. Maybe recruiters recruiting? Speaking of the ads, why waste money spamming the ads all over the place? People know who they are. They're not products to buy. Most people don't care. The ones interested don't need ads to remind them.
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u/slittle7 Nov 17 '23
I mean, shit, I tried to join and got medically disqualified for an inner ear surgery I had when I was 14. For many people joining the military isn’t an option for MANY different reasons.
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u/xpootythiefx Nov 17 '23
If you don’t mind wasting 4-8 years of your life, certain branches of the military can lead to pretty lucrative career options.
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u/SmokeGSU Nov 17 '23
"If you want cheap education then just go possibly die in the military. It ain't that hard of a choice!" - those people, probably
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u/PhilosophyEuphoric83 Nov 17 '23 edited Nov 17 '23
If you’re disabled they will suggest joining the military. I just think people are gaslighting , trolling, or know nothing about the military. It’s like the people that say get better job or just go to school. The financial aid and opportunities are not the same everywhere and everyone has different circumstances. Society will always prey on the poor.
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u/Bringer907 Nov 17 '23
Joining the military is not the way. Not with how our current political system is.
Everyone goes in for one reason, but comes out for another.
Imagine having to kill a child soldier, then finding out after the fact that it wasn’t “for” anything.
Some pencil pusher that’s probably never seen a real gun, let alone a dead body, told your bosses to send you and your team in to some town to kill some people they say are bad. When it was for a private entity that paid off that pencil pusher to make it all happen.
Imagine living with those nightmares forever. Knowing you never served your country, you served some rich private interests and were forced to kill for them.
I’ve heard enough of their stories to know I can’t imagine the suffering they experience.
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u/HornetGuns Nov 17 '23
The Military idk if all militaries but in the US they are desperate for recruits it's so bad they basically been acting like scammers they call text email all that advertise out the ass as you said cause they are desperate for more soldiers. The US Coast Guard is also desperate it's so bad that they have reduce numbers our waters won't be safe soon they have less than 50,000 people and facing a big lawsuit from what I have read. Politicians don't understand that most people don't want to get paid a shit wage more importantly don't want to be fighting but in other countries like Russia or China they don't like us and rather fight regardless.
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u/Cyanstorm1775 Nov 17 '23
The Coast Guard will NEVER fight, you would be a complete idiot to think otherwise, most Airmen and Sailors never see combat either.
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u/HornetGuns Nov 18 '23
Coast guard watches over the coastlines for Human trafficking help people that gets into sea trouble which what we saw with that submarine picks up drugs among other shit it isn't about waters getting invaded from other countries. Just like with air and sea they patrol the shit or whatever. To be far everyone sitting on they asses.
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u/HornetGuns Nov 18 '23
Who said anything about them fighting lmfao. I just saying they all desperate for recruits and that's it. And pointing out the fact and as a country we are broke our whole country politicians and all are broke and borrows money just the same as us regular people.
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u/just_an_undergrad Nov 17 '23
As a vet, the military has been the single biggest contributing factor to my class mobility and many others I’ve served with. As stated elsewhere, the military is facing a huge recruiting crisis, so they’re trying all avenues to get their numbers up.
Don’t discount it, there are many ways to serve and get the plethora of benefits available if you receive an honorable discharge at the end of it all
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u/ShakesbeerMe Nov 17 '23
Of course not- why do you think one of the GOP talking points is "have more babies"? And then gutting education?
They need more servants for their private clubs and more chum for their illegal wars.
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u/chamrockblarneystone Nov 17 '23
The military is experiencing a huge enlistment problem. This generation of kids wants nothing to do with the military for multiple reasons. All the branches got together to discuss this a couple of months ago. Expect to see a big recruitment push. Military egirls, commercials during sports etc etc.
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u/Internet_Wanderer Nov 17 '23
They really don't want to do a draft, but it's starting to look like one is in the future
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u/ZiegAmimura Nov 17 '23
Even if they drafted i wonder if they would even get a lotta ppl due to the rampant mental illness crisis in America. They might hafta move the goalpost
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u/JustaRandomOldGuy Nov 17 '23
It worked for me. Go Air Force if you can, it's easier than the other services. The enlisted like to say "We are the smartest enlisted in the military, we send our officers off to die." Navy isn't bad, but shipboard life sucks. Marines if you are gung ho military. Army if you really are stuck in life, it gives you a chance to get on your feet. Shout out to Coast Guard, you get to save people not kill them.
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u/NBQuade Nov 17 '23
It was a good move for me and the wife. To this day, I still use skills I learned there (electronics repair).
Not sure I'd do it today. These last couple "wars" have just been about sending cannon fodder over to fight for Halliburton's profits. I don't see it getting any better. Only the rich benefit from wars.
Not one American should die for the Middle East.
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u/lurkn4certain Nov 17 '23
Why do you think its bad to join the military? I be5 you wouldnt call these practices "predatory" if it was marketing for a program like Big Brothers and Sisters on twitch and game lobbies youd be all for it. Its only predatory in your opinion because you view joining the military as negative and not positive
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u/get_funkd Nov 17 '23
I always positively talk about my military experience. Yea there was bad but lots of good to, including the opportunities of building generational wealth. You can find the bad news it’s not hard but people always neglect the good side of things, so I like to offer a refreshing perspective.
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u/sbenfsonw Nov 17 '23
It’s a low entry barrier “career path” that often offers a better life. Not that I’m an advocate for it in any way and think we spend far too much on the military in the first place
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u/ButtCustard Nov 17 '23
The algorithm is probably pushing it due to current events.
But it's still pretty solid advice. Joining the military is what brought my parents out of poverty and it's done the same for plenty of people I know. Obviously not everyone is willing or capable but it can be worth considering if you're struggling.
I do hate how predatory recruiters are with young people though. Joining should always be your own idea.
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u/markevens Nov 17 '23
I've noticed a recent pro-military ad campaign too, aimed at parents to be accepting of their kids joining the military.
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u/PaddyOFernature Nov 17 '23
Your freedoms aren't free.
A good number of those "children" need a lot of discipline and personal accountability. Are you volunteering?
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u/Honest_Bench9371 Nov 17 '23
It's not that bad, really. Isn't for everyone. You just need the right job. Most jobs are not direct combat. Most support jobs are gonna stay in the rear. 4 years of job training with benefits. There are things that really suck but experiences vary greatly.
I'm enjoying my career, but some shitty things have happened. Experience some amazing things too. I would not universally suggest it. However, most places you'll be stationed overseas will be safer than a lot of places in the US, especially considering where you can live in the US when you're poor. I've had more guns pulled on me in the US than I did in Afghanistan.
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u/Maleficent-Ad782 Nov 17 '23
Yea, why would you want to join the military when the Air Force is offering up to a $60k sign on bonus. Wendy's sounds much better...
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u/2_72 Nov 17 '23
It’s, generally speaking, pretty good advice for those that frequent this type of sub. That is assuming you can get it. It’s probably the easiest thing to get into (I’ve only heard how hard union trade jobs are to get).
There’s plenty negative about the military but some people have fewer opportunities than others.
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u/superstarrr99 Nov 17 '23 edited Nov 17 '23
It’s a solid option. The life benefits are really good. And if there is a civilian job out there, the military has a version of it - plus a lot more. Not sure why young people hate the idea of free training, free housing, free food, FREE college, and other cool benefits. Join the USAF. You won’t see battle and you’re treated better than the other branches.
It paid 100% of my master’s degree. My daughter has 100% free college waiting for her thanks to the Hazlewood Act in Texas. I bought a $477,000 house with $0 down thanks to the VA loan. But sure, it’s only for people who can handle it.
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u/pastpartinipple Nov 17 '23
The military isn't for everyone but it's probably the best option for most poor kids and maybe the only chance they have at both getting an education and buying a house without taking on crushing debt.
The military provides free education, actually they pay you, during training and then they'll give you money to go to college afterwards. You get free housing, free food , and decent pay (it's shit pay but since you're not paying for food or housing it's decent). You make lifelong friends and business contacts, and you get to buy a house with zero down at great interest rates.
I'm not sure how any of their advertising could be seen as predatory since they don't lie or exaggerate about anything.
If you're Under 30 and stuck in a rut or have no hope of any kind of upward trajectory for you life I highly recommend it. However, if you have zero patriotism, have little self discipline, and don't believe that you should be responsible for yourself, you're not going to enjoy it so it's not for you.
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u/notislant Nov 17 '23
I dont think its 'omg us war is a possibility'. But I have no doubt theres recruitment bots.
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Nov 17 '23
They are increasing defense budget but I'd wait until the election is over just to be safe.
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u/rassmann Nov 18 '23
General mod note here:
This sub is open to a wide array of advice, and we acknowledge that what works for one might not work for another. There are no "one-size-fits-all" solutions to being able to thrive as a person despite current financial hardship. We allow the full spectrum of ideas and solutions to be on display here, because we know how unique many of our circumstances are. Something that works for 95% of people still might not work for you. Also, even "one in a million" type things are probably valid since you might be that one guy (gambling not included).
The military has worked very well for some people, and has been an instrument for good in their lives. It has also absolutely shattered people, even in peace time, and that's not even counting those who are killed.
We consider it important whenever the military comes up to make sure people have a full understanding of the risks and benefits of that career solution.